BMW Motorsport is expanding its range of cars within the BMW Sports Trophy Customer Racing programme: from 2014, privateer BMW teams and drivers will have the opportunity to line up at events with the new BMW M235i Racing. With a price of 59,500.00 Euros (excl. VAT) and impressive performance figures, the production-based coupé meets all the basic requirements of a successful entry-level racing car.

The plan is initially for the car to be used in series and events such as the VLN Endurance Championship and the Nürburgring 24 Hours on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. Looking ahead, the BMW M235i Racing should also be successful on international stages for BMW Sports Trophy drivers.

BACKGROUND.

The motorsport genes are also easily recognisable in the production version of the BMW M235i Coupé, courtesy of the aerodynamically optimised body design. It is propelled by the most powerful petrol engine developed so far for a BMW M Performance Automobile: a six-cylinder in-line engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology. With a capacity of 2,979ccm, the racing version is capable of generating 333hp (245kW).

Motorsport-specific driving aids such as ABS, DSC and traction control ensure that the motorsport newcomers can also handle the BMW M235i Racing surely and safely. The car also comes with mechanical limited-slip differential, which is also available for the BMW M235i Coupé in the Original BMW Parts range. The racing car is also fitted with features such as the FIA-certified safety cell and the modern safety tank. On top of this come components from the BMW M Performance Parts range, such as the rear and front spoilers, diffusor and carbon wing mirrors.

WHAT THE BMW MOTORSPORT DIRECTOR SAYS...

"The basis our engineers had to start with when developing the racing version of the BMW M235i Coupé was exceptionally good.

The production models from the BMW M Performance Automobiles range are already incredibly sporty. Because of this, we did not have to make many modifications in order to get the BMW M235i Coupé up and running as a racing car. BMW Motorsport can look back on a long tradition of allowing ambitious teams and drivers an affordable ￼￼way into motor racing – and of offering them an absolutely competitive car. While the BMW Z4 GT3 spearheads our range, the new BMW M235i Racing means we are now also excellently positioned for the coming years in the field of production-based racing cars."

At BMW, the number 2 has denoted the presence of a supremely sporting driving experience in a compact two-door car for over 45 years -- ever since the introduction of the BMW 02 range.
The BMW 2 Series Coupé is a new dimension in driving dynamics, aesthetic appeal and premium allure in the compact segment.

BMW 2 Series Coupe will make its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in January 2014. The 2014 BMW 2 Series Coupe will be offered in the U.S. at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $33,025 for the 228i and $44,025 for the M235i, including $925 destination and handling. In Germany, the BMW 220i costs 25,168 Euro, M235i at 36,764 Euro and 220d -- 27,310 Euro.

BMW Motorsport is adding a new car to its customer racing range, which is spearheaded by the BMW Z4 GT3, in the form of the BMW M235i Racing. At a price of 59,500 Euros (plus VAT), this car helps to make motorsport affordable on an entry-level basis. Customer feedback has been very positive so far. No wonder, as the new car is a true beauty. But see for yourself.

On sale starting in March, the base price of the 228i is $33,025 after destination charges, which is roughly $600 more than the 1 Series coupe it replaces and $600 less than a BMW 320i sedan. The M235i requires a big step-up in price to $44,025 after destination charges, but that is still significantly cheaper than the 1 M Coupe was three years ago.

The new M235i may lack a smidge of the no-compromises performance found in the 1 M Coupe, but it is a better all-around package. It truly can be considered a spiritual successor to the E46 M3, just begging for a head-to-head comparison with that decade old sports car. Having yet to try the new M3 or M4, we can safely say the M235i is the most engaging car in the BMW lineup today.

I like what I'm reading, but the sexy-factor is just not there. The greenhouse is too domed and too tall to have that low-slung, slick, sports car/personal coupe look. Can you imagine what this car would look like if it had an A5-esque, or even a 4-Series upper half? BMW had a chance to do all with one car, but missed a crucial element.